Sturgill Simpson Supplies Jaw-Dropping Cover of Nirvana’s ‘In Bloom’

Sturgill Simpson puts his own spin on Nirvana’s classic rock track “In Bloom” for his highly-anticipated new album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.

Although many country fans might be horrified at the idea of their beloved alt-country icon taking on a track from a 90s grunge rock band, they shouldn’t be. In true Sturgill style, he manages to strip down the song to its core by flawlessly interpreting the pure emotion that lies behind the lyrics. With the help of his signature twang, rolling pedal steel and yes, even a horn section, he transforms the already-legendary track into something truly spectacular.

“I remember in seventh or eighth grade, when that album dropped, it was like a bomb went off in my bedroom,” he said of Nirvana’s second album, Nevermind, in a statement. “For me, that song has always summed up what it means to be a teenager, and I think it tells a young boy that he can be sensitive and compassionate—he doesn’t have to be tough or cold to be a man. So I wanted to make a very beautiful and pure homage to Kurt.”

Click below to watch Sturgill Simpson’s new video for “In Bloom,” which features the eery illustrations of director Matt Mahurin.